Why is my car shaking when I brake?

May 21, 2024

Why is my car shaking when I brake?

At Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, we're dedicated to ensuring your vehicle is in top condition for safe and smooth driving. Recently, a 1995 Toyota Land Cruiser came into our shop concerned about shaking while braking After out inspection and testing we found a worn outer tie rod. In this blog we will be highlighting the importance of a component often overlooked: the outer tie rod end. Let’s dive into why this part is crucial for your vehicle’s steering system and overall safety.

The outer tie rod end is a critical part of your vehicle’s steering mechanism. It serves as a ball and socket joint that connects the steering knuckle — the part to which the wheels are mounted — to the steering linkage, which is controlled by the steering gear. This connection is pivotal for transferring the steering wheel's movements to the front wheels, allowing your vehicle to change direction smoothly and accurately.

A defective outer tie rod end can lead to several noticeable issues:

- Sticking or Limited Movement: As demonstrated with our Toyota Land Cruiser, a sticking tie rod end indicates it's time for a replacement.
- Clunking Noises: Worn tie rod ends often produce a clunking sound from the steering area, particularly noticeable during turns.
- Steering Wheel Looseness: A loose feeling in the steering wheel can be a direct result of tie rod end wear.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Incorrect alignment, often caused by faulty tie rod ends, can lead to uneven wear on your tires, compromising vehicle safety and efficiency.

To avoid these issues, regular inspections of the suspension and steering components are essential. At Wayside Garage, our ASE-certified technicians are equipped to perform detailed assessments, including digital photos and videos of problematic areas, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of your vehicle’s condition.

Is your car shaking when you brake? Or maybe it’s just been a while since your last suspension check? Don’t wait for a small issue to become a major problem. Call us at (831)-899-2425 to schedule an inspection at Wayside Garage. Ensure your vehicle is aligned and ready for the road.

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How Do I Know If My Tires Are Safe to Drive On?

By Stacey Diaz • July 3, 2025

How Do I Know If My Tires Are Safe to Drive On? Tips from Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA for National Tire Safety Week Tire safety is one of those things drivers don’t think about — until it’s too late. But as a local shop owner with over 38 years under the hood, I can tell you: the health of your tires has a major impact on how your car handles, brakes, and keeps you safe out on the road. That’s why we’re proud to support National Tire Safety Week 2025 , happening June 30 to July 4 — an annual effort from the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association to educate drivers on proper tire maintenance. And right here at Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA , we’re doing our part to help folks check in before they check out for summer road trips. 🚗 So, How Do You Know If Your Tires Are Safe? It really comes down to four key checks — easy to remember with the acronym P.A.R.T .: 🔹 P = Pressure Low tire pressure leads to poor fuel economy, sluggish handling, and faster wear. We recommend checking pressure monthly, especially before long drives. Always check when your tires are “cold” — that means before you hit the road, not after a grocery run. 🔹 A = Alignment If your car’s drifting left or right, or your steering feels off, your alignment may be out of whack. Misalignment causes uneven wear, hurts handling, and can shorten your tire life — not to mention your patience. 🔹 R = Rotation You’d be surprised how fast tires can wear unevenly. We rotate tires every 5,000–7,500 miles to make sure all four tires wear evenly. This extends tire life and keeps your vehicle handling the way it should. 🔹 T = Tread Tires need grip, especially in wet or winding road conditions. We recommend checking tread depth monthly. If your tire tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch or less — or if you see visible cracking or bulges — it’s time to replace them. 💡 Quick Tip: Stick a penny into your tread, Lincoln's head down. If you can see all of Honest Abe's noggin, your tread is too low. 🛠️ What We Offer at Wayside Garage, Seaside CA We’ve been serving the Seaside community for nearly four decades, and tire safety is something we don’t take lightly. Our tire services include: Tire pressure checks and adjustments Computerized wheel alignments Tire rotations and balancing Tread inspections and honest tire replacement recommendations Tire age checks — rubber breaks down over time, even if your tread looks good. Most tires should be replaced every 6 years, regardless of wear. Whether you're planning a road trip or just commuting to work, swing by Wayside Garage in Seaside for a tire check. No pressure (pun intended) — just experienced, straightforward service you can trust. ❓ FAQ: Tire Safety Questions We Hear All the Time Q: How do I know when my tires need to be replaced? A: If your tread is worn past 2/32", your tires are over six years old, or you notice bulges or cracks — it’s time to replace them. Q: How often should I rotate my tires? A: Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. We include this as part of routine maintenance at Wayside Garage. Q: Can alignment affect tire wear that quickly? A: Absolutely. One pothole or curb can knock alignment off. If your car pulls or your tires wear unevenly, it’s time for an alignment check. Q: What tire pressure should I use? A: Check your driver’s door sticker or owner’s manual — never use the number printed on the tire itself. 🏁 Drive Into Summer with Confidence This National Tire Safety Week , don’t just guess your tires are safe — know they are. Bring your vehicle to Wayside Garage in Seaside, California and let our experienced team give your tires a full safety check. You’ll leave knowing your pressure’s perfect, your alignment’s dialed in, and your tread is road-trip ready. Stop by or schedule your service today — we’re here to keep you rolling, safely.